Among her clients is Russ Gandolfo, an investment client who flies as a co-pilot with Ms. Stuart. She was his flight instructor for his private pilot's license.

"MacKenzie and her associate did a risk analysis of my portfolio and showed me how risky some of my investments were," Mr. Gandolfo said. "At 60, I don't want to be in high-risk investments.

"MacKenzie sat down with me and went over investment possibilities. She's got the personality that makes you just want to learn."

Ms. Stuart's present focus is working with women, educating and helping them develop a financial acumen for success.

"Our intention as a firm is to expand our clientele to include small business owners, with a strong female presence and female pilots in the Northeast area," she said.

"As I've talked to women, I find many have no idea about finances.

"I've heard stories about women experiencing financial loss through divorce, when they suddenly had the responsibility of taking on management of their own portion of liquidated assets from the marriage and had no idea what to do."

Then there's "Generation Y," people born between 1976 and 2000, she said.

"They have heard that 2001 was horrible financially and 2008 was even worse, so they are very intimidated about investing -- sure they will lose everything," Ms. Stuart said.

"I help them realize that there are safe avenues to follow in investing, and that the money they work so hard for won't be lost."

For more information or to arrange an appointment, call MacKenzie Stuart at 617-539-5700.